Michael Jackson and the Robson family, 1990 – Photo: Wade Robson Archive/AMOS Pictures
“Michael Jackson (MJ) is one of the kindest, most loving people I know. He has helped me a lot in my career. But he sexually abused me for 7 years.”
That is the accusation of Wade Robson, 36 years old. He and James Safechuck, 41, are the main characters in the documentary Leaving Neverland directed by Dan Reed.
It contains many shocking details, that the King of Pop we once knew sexually abused the two victims for many years, from when they were children to their teens.
Shocking movie
Director Reed shared his determination when making this film, that Michael Jackson is a character everyone knows, but no one really “knows” him.
Talking about the movie, it’s difficult to choose the most shocking detail throughout the four hours. Safechuck describes a fake wedding that Michael Jackson staged for the two of them, when he was about 11 years old, including the exchange of vows and a wedding ring.
Robson talked about how he felt when he was forced to perform oral sex on Michael Jackson for the first time when he was only seven years old, and bribed his parents with luxury airline tickets and luxury hotels.
“I find it difficult to blame anyone, just assume it’s my fault,” Safechuck said.
History of accusations of pedophilia
This is not the first time Michael Jackson has been accused of pedophilia. The first time was in 1993, by Jordy Chandler, then by Gavin Arvizo, in 2003. In both cases, Michael Jackson escaped sentence by settling with the Chandlers and was found not guilty in the case with Arvizo .
But that’s nothing compared to Jimmy Saville. Michael Jackson often took pictures with him, held his hand and admitted many times to sleeping with him in bed.
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Trailer of documentary accusing Michael Jackson of pedophilia Leaving Neverland
After the halo
Back to Robson, he met Michael Jackson when he was five, after winning a dance competition in Australia. The contest’s prize is to meet Michael Jackson.
After that, Robson was invited to dance at Michael Jackson’s tour. Two years later, the Robson family met MJ again in California.
At this time, Robson and his sister slept in the same bed as Michael Jackson, and Robson’s parents slept in the next room. When the family left, Michael Jackson begged Robson to stay alone with him. They agree.
And Michael Jackson told Robson what happened was “a way to show love” and told him not to tell anyone else. Just like that, seven years passed.
Explaining why he did not denounce Michael Jackson early, Robson said Michael Jackson was like “god” to him. He has been a fan of the King of Pop since he was a child. And that he was torn between guilt and admiration for Michael Jackson.
As for Safechuck, he met Michael Jackson at the age of 10, when he was chosen to star in a commercial for Pepsi. Michael Jackson invited Safechuck to the tour and later slept in the same hotel room. “Michael Jackson wanted to be my friend, I can’t express how happy I was at that moment,” Safechuck said.
Safechuck photo of Michael Jackson at Disneyland, 1988 – Photo: James Safechuck
“Michael Jackson gave us luxury airline tickets, had a limo waiting to take us to the airport, the rich and famous life appeared before our eyes, what could be better than that?”, explained Safechuck’s mother.
Both Robson and Safechuck’s mother admitted that the family was blinded by Michael Jackson’s fame and money, causing them to not realize the truth before their eyes.
The film has details showing that Michael Jackson abused Robson and Safechuck hundreds of times, and it appears that they were not the only victims.
There are many others like Jordy Chandler, Brett Barnes and even the child star of the movie Home Alone Macaulay Culkin. However, Barnes and Macaulay never accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse.
“From my experience, I think there are many other victims. But sexual abuse of boys has not received enough attention from society. And it is also very difficult for victims to find the courage to report,” Safechuck said.
“I don’t care about how people talk about Michael Jackson or his music. I just want to find a way to show people the whole side of the story. Michael Jackson is a talented singer, but talent is not Which means he’s not an abuser.”
